Zimbabwe has implemented a 21-day total lockdown, effective yesterday (March 30), in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that all non-essentials services would come to a halt during the lockdown.

“Everyone must stay at home, except those seeking health services or buying food, medicine and vital supplies, as well as those manning essential services. I know this will upset all of our daily lives but there is no other way,” said Mnangagwa in a series of tweets.

As of March 27, Zimbabwe had recorded five confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death as a result of the virus.

Namibia locks down

Namibian President Hage Geingob, has announced a lockdown of certain regions of the country to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

A nationwide lockdown is set to be implemented in the coming days.

On March 27, the Khomas and Erongo regions were locked down for 21 days, along with the Okahandja and Rehoboth local authority areas.

Last week, a French tourist at Hobas Lodge tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in the lodge being locked down with immediate effect.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts Acting MD, Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, said: “We would like to advise any guests who intended to travel to Hobas to get in touch with any of our reservations offices to amend their bookings even during the lockdown period, as we have put in the necessary measures to attend to them.”

NWR has announced that it will offer its Hardap Resort as a temporary centre for care and treatment of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The resort is close to the Mariental State Hospital and has 54 rooms with 220 beds.